(Untitled)

[det_montoya]

Saint James Cathedral should have fallen in the quake.  The centuries old building survived.  Some saw it as a feat of engineering.  Others spoke of luck.  The surrounding immigrant community knew the truth though.  God's grace was upon them.  Many a stain glass window had been replaced.  The original pews were gone.  Priests struggled and retired

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[jla_extras]

"Renee?"

The voice belongs to an aging man standing just outside the open double doors. He's dressed entirely in black with the exception of the white clerical collar.

[det_montoya]

She didn't expect to see anybody here, much less be waylaid on the steps outside the church. She turns immediately at the sound of her name. It's a voice she recognizes. No amounts of years can erase the familiar gentleness in his voice.

Father Rodriguez is looking a little gray around temples. Otherwise, he looks just the way she remembers him.

"Father." None of the turmoil she feels inside is imparted in the greeting.

[jla_extras]

He descends the stone staircase to meet her, hands tucked casually in his trouser pockets. There's a pleasant smile on his face.

"It's been a long time," he observes. There's no judgment in his statement. It's just a simple fact.

[det_montoya]

She looks away briefly. Suddenly, she desperately wants to be anywhere but here. After a prolonged moment, she turns her gaze upon him again and answers reluctantly.

"Yeah."